Political campaigns, no matter the party, have all had similar goals within the past decade to engage the younger vote. Kamala Harris’ campaign this past election worked tirelessly to engage younger voters through celebrity endorsements and social media culture. Brat, a popular social media phrase coined by the singer Charlie XCX who later endorsed Harris, was used heavily to engage young voters.
Despite the efforts of politicians and their staff, only 42% of young voters, defined as voters aged 18-29, voted in the 2024 elections, which was a decrease from the 50% of young voters in the 2020 election (Circle Tufts).
With politics having substantial impacts on citizens’ day-to-day lives, it begs the question of why so few young voters choose to participate in elections. An issue of connectivity could be at play, but the bottom line is politics requires motivation to care. With so few teens and young adults expressing interest in politics, the very idea of it has been deemed ‘not trendy’.
Many organizations work to combat connectivity issues young voters may face with politics. The organization Headcount works to encourage voter registration at concerts and other music events, where many young voters flock. Snapchat includes a feature on newly turned 18-year-old profiles to register to vote. With resources surrounding young voters to register to vote and go to the polls, what ultimately stops young voters from voting is motivation.
Politics carry heavy social connotations that many do not want to associate themselves with. In high school where social tensions are high and popularity and status are deemed important, speaking up about political beliefs, especially if those beliefs are in the minority, can be frightening. However, the bottom line is politics is more than a social talking point. They affect day-to-day life and influence policies being made around communities. With a lack of peer examples of engagement in politics, many fail to take an interest in the subject. It’s important for young voters to care about politics and the social and cultural impacts it has on citizens.
For someone who is reading this and not politically active, consider getting involved. It does not have to be publicly advertised to all, but engagement and acknowledgement of what is happening in the political sphere around you is essential. Every day a political issue is discussed or decided upon, whether you realize it or not. The decision to be oblivious to these events is not trendy and is only hurting individuals and their communities.
Democracy is for the people, by the people. The very notion of it requires engagement and participation not only in national large-scale elections but local elections in order to represent your voice. It’s easy to understand why many shy away from politics, especially if they do not know the ways in which it affects them. However, the neglecting of this topic serves as a hindrance to the principles of our democracy. Share your opinions, reach out to government officials with your ideas, and simply read the news. Politics is not going anywhere, in fact, it is a lifelong constant.
According to the Pew Research Center, 51% of Americans regret not being more educated. As a young voter, take advantage of the education systems around you willing to provide information on our political system. Do not lose faith in politics if you disagree with current political issues. Engage with politics, it’s what a democracy encourages. Do not worry about others’ views on your ability to be educated in politics or whether or not it’s “trendy”. It is a privilege to be able to express your political beliefs, and it is a shame to let it go to waste.
To learn more about preparing and registering to vote:
